Mentorship Program Helps CSM Students Build Career Confidence

A little guidance can go a long way in helping College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students feel prepared to step into the workforce. The Center for Career Development and Success (CCDS) connects students with mentors who share insights into pathways to the professional world.  

Lorelei Cerulean is studying cybersecurity. She said the Career Readiness Mentorship Program helped her build professional skills, prepare for interviews, and better understand what employers are looking for.   

“It helped me fill in some of the gaps with the skills people actually use in the real world,” Cerulean said. “I had a lot of the technical skills, but networking and job hunting, those are skills in themselves, and that knowledge and experience is something you don’t really get into in the classroom.”  

Through the Career Readiness Mentorship Program, the CCDS connects students with mentors, local professionals, and community partners who offer guidance as they develop professional skills and explore future career opportunities and goals. 

Career Development Specialist Dr. Yvette Motley said mentors provide students with an important perspective on where their future can lead and help them build confidence to get there.  

“Professional mentors play an important role in a student’s support system as they navigate new opportunities and goals in the professional world,” Motley said. “We want students to leave CSM with more than just a degree or certificate. We want them to have professional relationships and connections that prepare them for the next step and give them the confidence to set their sights high.” 

The mentorship program is one of several resources offered by the CCDS to support student success and build career-readiness. Through the Work-Based Learning program, students can receive help with resume building, relevant work experience, networking, and making professional connections.  

Students who complete CCDS programs may receive the Career Readiness Badge, a credential to show they have met competency standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), in areas including career development, critical thinking, communication, leadership, and more.  

Kevin Cherry, a computer science student, said the mentorship program gave him an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice about the schools, degrees and professional opportunities that can help him reach his goals. One of the most valuable lessons he learned, he said, was that everyone starts somewhere, and students should not be afraid to aim high. 

“The mentorship program prepared me for the next steps,” Cherry said. “It’s a great program to get your foot in the door, meet face to face, and gain valuable insights.”  

The benefits of mentorship extend beyond students. For community partners and professional mentors, the program provides an opportunity to help prepare the next generation of the regional workforce. 

Christian Sorochty, vice president of human resources at Calvert Health, served as a mentor focused on helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace, and saw firsthand how the students grew in confidence and professionalism.  

“Seeing someone become more comfortable asking questions, exploring career options, and developing a clearer vision for their future made the experience incredibly meaningful,” Sorochty said. “It was encouraging to see them become more comfortable networking, seeking feedback, and thinking strategically about the skills and experiences that will support their long-term success.”  

Students interested in getting involved with the Work-Based Learning program or learning more about internship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to the CCDS or apply through HawkJobs.